Guinea Pig II- The Pig, Rancho Mirage CA

Featured Article

You couldn't wish for better weather at the Guinea Pig II BBQ Competition in Rancho Mirage, CA. High temps in the eighties, low at night in the 50's, clear skies and minimal winds. Add to that, views of the Mission Hills Golf Course greens boasting spring flowers.

A vision of Sterling Ball of Big Poppa Smokers (BPS) to bring an affordable event to competitors. For a registration fee of only $450, teams received all meats to be used in the competition (one Snake River Farm Double R brisket, two pork butts, 3 racks of ribs and nine chicken thighs), free ice, Woodhouse Chocolates, CD, access to the exclusive Mission Hills Country Club for two nights, no extra charge for large sites, Kidsâ Q where each child was given a Weber Smokey Joe cooker and Friday night dinner hosted by BPS where teams, family and friends were served Snake River Farms donated Wagyu hot dogs with all the trimmings you could hope for.

Host- Mission Hills Country Club Golf Course, Rancho Mirage

At 2pm, teams gathered in front of a refrigerated truck awaiting a drawing in which the KCBS representatives, Kelly and Kathleen McIntosh randomized the team order of draw for a numbered ping pong ball corresponding to the meat box they would receive.

Teams Awaiting Meat Box Drawing

Last Ping Pong Ball

After each team received their numbered ping pong ball, the meat boxes were distributed by the BPS staff. One of the highlights of this event was the briskets donated by Guinea Pig sponsor, Snake River Farms. Teams received SRF Double R Ranch briskets ranging from 14-20 lbs. These briskets received the seal of approval by the teams as they opened their boxes and found briskets with very thick flats, marbling and the feel of a 28 day aging process. Teams were also provided a listing of each meats weight in their box further assuring us that we were starting with an even playing field compared to other teamâs boxes.

Teams Picking Up Meat Boxes After Ping Pong Ball Drawing

Double R Ranch Briskets Donated by Snake River Farms

Weights of Each Meat in Numbered Boxes Displayed For Team Review

One of the highlights of the Guinea Pig event is the Kid's Q. Greater involvement by the kids in this event makes this competition a family affair. Preparing the next generation of competitors. Ground beef in this category was also donated by Snake River Farms. Each kid also received a brand new Weber Smokey Joe cooker which they got to keep.

Kidâs que Turn In at Judging Table

Awards Ceremony

The Awards Ceremony began promptly at 5pm. Special acknowledgement of the BPS staff for assuring everything was organized, teams were taken care of, Friday dinner, meat box distribution and for handling all the amenities of the events.

Awards for Kid's Q were called. Smokin' Harts JJ took the first place award for kids 11-15 years old. Smokin' Harts Duke took the first place award for kids 6-10 years old. The excitement on these kidsâ faces was priceless.

Kid's Q Competitors

Kid's Q 11 to 15 Years Old

1. Smokin' Hart's JJ

2. Oh Snap BBQ!

3. Just a bit Twisted

4. Smokin' Ashley

5. Kid Rejects!

Kid's Q 6 to 10 Years Old

1. Smokin' Hart's Duke

2. Little Loot

3. Smokin' Nicole

4. Smokin' Kid Vicious

5. Lil' Marvelous BBQ

The dessert category awards were announced and two teams received 180 pins. The tie breaker was determined by the KCBS rules. Smokin' Money received the first place award.

Top Five Dessert Winners

1. SMOKIN' MONEY - 180.0000

2. PORKETEERS - 180.0000

3. TWISTED BRISKET BBQ

4. SIMPLY MARVELOUS BBQ

5. SMOKIN' REJECTS!BBQ

By the time we got to announce the top 10, there were a few teams with multiple calls hence forerunners for GC and RGC. The excitement was intensified when Sterling made other special announcements before bringing to the stage the GC for the second Guinea Pig Competition and his second best Sterling- Sterling Smith of Loot N' Booty.

The Top 10 Overall

Grand Champion: LOOT N' BOOTY BBQ

Reserve Champion: DEAD PIG WALKING

3. ROCKET PIG

4. JET COATINGS - MONKEY STYLE

5. SMOKIN' HARTS

6. LEFT COAST Q

7. PORTERHOUSE BBQ

8. KNOCK UR SOX OFF BBQ

9. VICIOUS SMOKE

10. PORKETEERS

The top ten in each category and top ten overall receive monetary awards, a ribbon for second to tenth place and a plaque for first place. The Guinea Pig event distribution of awards assures that more teams walk away with money. In this event 59.18% teams cashed a check. GC total $1,630, RGC total of $1460, third total of $1,060. 14% of teams made a profit. 43% of the teams recouped at least $95 of the $450. 35th place team won $215.

Everyone is looking forward to more events like the Guinea Pig.

Special thanks to sponsors who support this competition and other events throughout the country. Mission Hills Country Club for hosting the event, Snake River Farms and Annella Kelso for Meat donations and support of all things CBBQA, Woodhouse Chocolates and Sterling Ball of Big Poppa Smokers for all he does. Thanks to Arlie Bragg one of the best promoters nationally. Also, special thanks to our KCBS Representatives, Kelly and Kathleen McIntosh, Merrialyce and Steve Alvarez, the staff of BPS under the direction of Jessie, Jody and James.

Congratulations to all who heard their name called.

Join the CBBQA

Our mission is to teach, enjoy, preserve, and promote barbecue as a true American food and to help various childrenâs charities by conducting barbecue events throughout the state of California.

The California BBQ Association would also like to help promote your BBQ event. We work hand in hand with all the national sanctioning bodies for BBQ events each year here in California. Information on what options we offer the event promoters of California can be obtained by contacting us. If you have a charity that is interested in putting together a BBQ fundraiser, we would also like to hear from you.

New BBQ Contest/Class/Event Information

The California BBQ Association would also like to help promote your BBQ event. We work hand in hand with all the national sanctioning bodies for BBQ events each year here in California. Information on what options we offer the event promoters of California can be obtained by contacting our Chairman of the Contest Committee.

Please send all BBQ event inquiries to-

Stephen Franklin

Please provide

Event date(s)

Location

List of what specific info you may be looking for.

If you have a charity that is interested in putting together a BBQ fundraiser, we would also like to hear from you.